UCLA Coach Cronin Tells Critics of Intense Sideline Antics to "Get a Life"

Cronin and UConn's Hurley are known for their passionate coaching styles, but Cronin says the criticism is "ridiculous".

Mar. 22, 2026 at 3:35pm

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UCLA basketball coach Mick Cronin had a blunt response when asked about the criticism he and UConn coach Dan Hurley receive for their intense sideline antics during games. Cronin told the critics to "get a life" and said that Hurley's passion is exactly what you want from a coach trying to win big games.

Why it matters

Cronin and Hurley are two of the most animated and intense coaches in college basketball, often drawing technical fouls and criticism for their sideline behavior. However, their teams have also been highly successful, suggesting their coaching styles help motivate players and contribute to winning.

The details

Ahead of UCLA's second-round NCAA tournament matchup against UConn, Cronin was asked about the criticism he and Hurley receive for their sideline antics. Cronin responded bluntly, saying "It's ridiculous. Everybody needs to get a life, bro. Come on, man. You wanna win big, but you think Coach Hurley isn't supposed to be intense? But you wanna win? Come on man." Hurley also defended the intense coaching styles, saying that holding players to high standards of "accountability, responsibility, discipline, proficiency, productivity, and work ethic" is what "forges championship teams."

  • UCLA and UConn will face off in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament on March 22, 2026.

The players

Mick Cronin

The head coach of the UCLA Bruins men's basketball team, known for his intense and passionate sideline demeanor.

Dan Hurley

The head coach of the UConn Huskies men's basketball team, also known for his fiery coaching style on the sidelines.

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What they’re saying

“It's ridiculous. Everybody needs to get a life, bro. Come on, man. You wanna win big, but you think Coach Hurley isn't supposed to be intense? But you wanna win? Come on man.”

— Mick Cronin, Head Coach, UCLA Bruins

“I think when you look at the best programs, the best organizations, the best coaches, there's high degrees of accountability in those organizations. There's high degrees of responsibility, discipline, proficiency, productivity, and work ethic and standards, so holding 18, 19, 20-year-old young men to those standards on a daily basis is what forges championship teams.”

— Dan Hurley, Head Coach, UConn Huskies

What’s next

The UCLA-UConn second-round matchup in the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament will take place on March 22, 2026.

The takeaway

Mick Cronin and Dan Hurley's intense coaching styles, while drawing criticism, have helped their teams achieve success at the highest levels of college basketball. Their passion and commitment to holding players accountable are seen as key factors in building championship-caliber programs.